Tigers announce warm-up matches

Tigers coach Daryl Powell's preparations for the new season will include friendlies against Hull FC, Wakefield Trinity, Batley Bulldogs and St Helens.

Published:10:30Thursday 17 November 2016

Castleford Tigers have announced four pre-season fixtures, starting with a home clash against Hull FC on Boxing Day.

The Tigers also visit Wakefield Trinity, Batley Bulldogs and St Helens for warm-up matches ahead of their opening Betfred Super League game against newly-promoted Leigh Centurions at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle on Friday, February 10.

Castleford and Challenge Cup holders Hull will compete for the inaugural Harrison-Bryan Memorial Trophy in a festive fixture that kicks off at 1.30pm.

The trophy will celebrate former Castleford player Thomas Bryan and ex Hull FC winger Jack Harrison, two of only three RL players to have been awarded the Victoria Cross for their heroics during World War One.

Bryan, who played for Castleford in the 1906-07 season, was a lance corporal in the 25th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. He was awarded the Vicoria Cross after showing great bravery by disabling a machine gun despite being wounded.

Harrison holds the Hull FC record for most tries in a season with 52 in the 1913-14 campaign. A 2nd lieutenant in the East Yorkshire Regiment, he was the first-ever sportsman to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

It was awarded postumously to him after was he killed in 1917 as he showed immense bravery by single-handedly attacking a machine gun post.

Pre-purchase tickets for the Boxing Day game are available at the Tigers Den club shop in Carlton Lanes and at the Tigers online store. They cost £15 adults and £10 for juniors (aged 6 to 16), OAPs (over 60) and students (with ID). Matchday prices will be £1 more.

There is free admission for children aged five and under.

The Tigers have arranged three away warm-up matches in January. They visit neighbours Wakefield Trinity on Sunday, January 25 (3pm), travel to Championship side Batley Bulldogs on Friday, January 27 (7.30pm) and face St Helens at Langtree Park on Sunday, January 29 (3pm).

Castleford Tigers players will attend a Suppporters Club membership launch evening at The Glassblower, Bank Street, Castleford, on Tuesday, December 13 (7pm).

There is free entry to the event which includes a tombola.

CTSC membership cards for 2017 will cost £5 adults, £2.50 under 16s and £19 for a family of two adults and two under 16s.